Best Mattress For Scoliosis

Having scoliosis is bad news. The curvature of the spine is not just aesthetically unflattering but also affects an individual’s health and way of life.

Scoliosis is a neuro-muscular condition characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. This basically means that your spine doesn’t travel down your body in a straight line, but is curved instead and can form either a C or S shape.

Scoliosis usually happens during a growth period during childhood and is common to both sexes although women are more prone to scoliosis than men.

Most cases are mild and may go unnoticed at their early stages, but would be more defined as you age. Some people may have an uneven waist or hips, uneven shoulders, or one shoulder blade can be more prominent, etc.

In some severe cases, the trunk of the body may shorten and prevent the lungs from functioning normally by reducing their capacity. It can also cause the spine to twist so much and rotate one side of the rib cage and cause it to stick out of the body noticeably.

Most cases are not so serious and don’t require any special treatment.

But, if you are tossing and turning a lot at night and want to stop feeling groggy and unproductive in the morning, perhaps changing a mattress could be the right solution to your sleep problems caused by scoliosis. Last updated Mar 10, 2022 @ 6:14 pm

 

 

Back Pain and Scoliosis

Scoliosis in young children isn’t usually painful as most cases are hardly visible and, therefore, the effects are low as well. But, if left uncorrected, it can cause back pain and a few other problems later in life.

As mentioned, some cases can cause an unevenness of the body, which can impact walk and posture. This can also put strain on muscles and cause them to be uneven on each side of the body. Weaker muscles will tire easier while stronger muscles will try to compensate for those weaker muscles and turn sore easily.

This usually leads to back pain that can be hard to get rid of and only a massage or a high quality mattress that provides enough comfort and pressure relief can help alleviate the pain.

So, although pain isn’t directly the result of scoliosis, the curvature of the spine puts a great strain on the muscles around it, creates muscle spasms and this eventually leads to the back pain.

How Does Sleep Position Affect Scoliosis Sufferers?

Your sleeping position or poor posture do not cause scoliosis or worsen the condition.

Although scoliosis can sometimes make sleeping uncomfortable because of the abnormal curvature of the spine, your sleeping position and the way you sleep can’t worsen your condition.

But, sleeping on your stomach can sometimes increase the overall discomfort caused by scoliosis and lead to various other problems. That’s why it is not recommended to sleep on your stomach if you suffer from scoliosis.

This sleeping position promotes bad posture and can cause various back and neck problems as it puts a great pressure on the upper back and neck area and strain on the cervical spine.

Stomach sleeping can potentially cause damages to the spinal disks, especially in scoliosis patients, because of the unnatural neck twisting as you can only turn your head on one side or the other when sleeping on your stomach.

Even though this sleeping position is not recommended, some scoliosis sufferers will still choose to sleep this way.

If you are one of them, you should at least make sure you have the right pillow and an excellent mattress that will provide the right amount of support for your spine and neck.

How to Alleviate Scoliosis Pain While You Sleep?

Your sleeping position and even your mattress play a significant role in how much sleep you are getting.

1. Sleeping Position

Keep in mind that your sleeping position does not cause scoliosis or worsen the condition. However, a proper position will help alleviate your scoliosis pain. Which sleeping position is better depends on your type of scoliosis and the location of the pain.

Thoracic Scoliosis

This type of scoliosis occurs when your thoracic spine or upper back tends to curve to the right.

Most people who suffer from thoracic scoliosis prefer to sleep on their sides. Side sleepers need a more plush surface compared to back sleepers.

However, a mattress that is too soft might pull your heavier parts down too much, putting more pressure on your joints. A good model has to provide enough support while also cradling the areas where cradling is necessary.

In case you’re a back sleeper, you might want a firmer model that will provide a better support for your spine. To make your nights even more comfortable, tuck a flat pillow under your shoulder blades to take pressure off your upper back.

Lumbar Scoliosis

Lumbar scoliosis occurs when the lumbar area or the lower back of the spine is curved to the left or right.

Most people who suffer from lumbar scoliosis find it more comfortable to sleep on their backs as it promotes spinal alignment. To relieve the pain in this area, tuck a flat pillow or a rolled up towel under your neck in addition to your usual pillow.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach as your back and neck can get temporarily distorted, causing pain the next day.

2. Mattress

Firmness and Support

Choose a mattress that will provide an optimal amount of support for your body and help you get a good night’s sleep regardless of your preferred sleeping position.

You want a mattress that can provide you the right level of comfort and support you need for your spine.

While there is no a clear definition on what mattress type would best suit your specific condition, the one that promotes proper spinal alignment, provides enough comfort and cooling will certainly help you fall asleep faster and make your night’s more comfortable and enjoyable.

However, you need to know what to look for when buying a mattress. Looking for an ideal bed that can provide the right amount of support and comfort and that is tailor-fit to a person with scoliosis can be really hard with so many different options available on the market these days.

Those suffering from scoliosis usually need a medium-firm mattress that can provide pressure point relief, that is responsive, contours to your body, keeps your spine properly aligned and causes minimal sinkage and motion transfer.

A medium-firm bed will provide the right balance of comfort and support for your back and that is why medium-firm models are the best for your medical condition.

You can prevent aggravation of spinal curvature with the right model that can provide enough support to the thoracic and lumbar areas of your body.

Material

High-density memory foam is a number one when it comes to relieving pressure points. Moreover, it’s famous for its ability to conform to the body’s curves, creating that cradling effect.

Latex, on the other hand, is known for great support, sleeping cool and high responsiveness. Both memory foam and latex are some of the best materials as far as sinkage is concerned.

Top 3 Mattress Picks for Scoliosis

A too soft or plush model won’t work well for a person with scoliosis. A special supportive foam or latex option that is medium firm will keep you comfortable and supported all night long.

Mattresses should ease pain and discomfort while you sleep and prevent further curvature or damage to your spine.

Below are our top 3 picks for the best mattress for scoliosis:

1. Layla

($849 for a Queen size. Click here and save $150 on a Layla mattress!)

The Layla has some special features, including 4 layers of memory foam which are copper-infused for a more comfortable sleep. They also help promote blood flow and circulation which is especially helpful for those suffering from arthritis, hip pain, as well as scoliosis.

The Layla has a unique option of being dual-sided with two firmness levels to choose from – one being firm and the other soft, just by flipping it over without the need to unzip the cover and swap the layers, which is great if you suffer from scoliosis and want to customize firmness yourself.

It is also powered by ThermoGEL technology which is known for enhancing its cooling properties and also promotes temperature regulation, which helps it sleep cool and comfortable.

All these features make the Layla a good choice if you are suffering from scoliosis.

Get the full Layla mattress review.

2. BearPro

($1050 for a Queen size. Click here to save up to $275 and get a free pillow!)

The Bear Pro mattress is impressive 12″ all foam mattress that features thick top layers of pressure relieving memory foam and a special Celliant cover designed to stimulate a faster muscle recovery.

The combination of copper-infused memory foam, gel foam, responsive foam and high density foam in the comfort, transition and support layers of this mattress provides a universal medium-firm feel and an ideal balance of comfort and support suitable for all sleeping styles and all types of sleepers, particularly those suffering from scoliosis.

The top comfort layers of the Bear Pro provide that classic memory foam hug and contour and allow you to sink into it to a certain degree for extraordinary comfort and pressure relief, while the somewhat firmer transition layer and firm base layer below provide enough support needed to keep your spine properly aligned and eliminate any pain and discomfort..

It is definitely one of our top picks in this category due to its extraordinary comfort and support and the unique Celliant cover which stimulates faster muscle recovery and relieves pain.

Get the full Bear Pro mattress review.

3. Nectar Sleep 

($699 for a Queen size. Click here for the best price on a Nectar!)

If you suffer from scoliosis and need something with good support and comfort, the Nectar Sleep may be a great choice for you. You can get this highest quality mattress at an affordable price range.

The Nectar is made up of 4 layers of foam with a Tencel top cover that keeps your sleeping area breathable, cool, and bug-resistant. It uses semi-open LUSH foam that provides that extra softness, loft, and breathability and does a great job in heat absorption and redistribution.

It is a quality mattress that provides great support with the addition of a soft pillow top which provides support as well as comfort which is important for those suffering from scoliosis.

It has a perfect level of firmness and provides the right amount of contour and support that those suffering from scoliosis need. It also has  low motion transfer and excellent pressure relieving properties which helps ease numbness and pain in hips and shoulders.

Get the full Nectar mattress review.